Rural SMEs are being invited to share their views and experiences of broadband connection and the effect this has on their business by completing a short survey

Research is being carried out by Building Digital UK (BDUK), part of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), in collaboration with the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE), to learn more about current digital connectivity, its uses, opportunities and challenges. The responses will inform future service development and support for rural businesses by Government.

Please share this survey with rural businesses either directly, or through business support organisations/networks, to encourage take-up. The survey should take 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and the closing date is 31 March 2022.

If you have any queries, please contact nicre@newcastle.ac.uk

The Rural Services Network recognises the importance of digital connectivity to rural businesses enabling them to reach their full potential and contribute to the national economy.

You can view the RSN asks of Government in relation to Rural Digital Connectivity at this link: https://rsnonline.org.uk/images/revitalising-rural/rural-connectivity.pdf